KASARACHI
Kasarachi - Episode 26
(Tell it to God)
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
"My sister is married to a white man who is crippled and confined to a wheelchair. Due to his pathetic condition....she is the one who handles his businesses from different parts of the world...so it makes her travel very often....." Halima said looking at me
I was also looking at her while wondering which direction this is leading to and why she spoke of her in-law in such a condescending manner like she didn't like him.
I shrugged my observation aside and continued listening attentively to what she wants to say without interrupting her.
Halima continued talking from where she stopped earlier with no iota of empathy in her voice
"....the last time we talked, she was telling me how he is very unhappy because they barely spend time together and also that his nannies do not know how to care for him. The man just doesn't understand that he is getting old and he shouldn't be so petty!!!"
From her last sentence, it's glaringly obvious that I was right about her not liking her sister's husband but I'm curious as to why.
But well since it's a family thing, I felt like it shouldn't be my business and so I didn't bother asking her.
Besides I am still trying to understand what she told me earlier as none of what she said made sense. That's why I had to ask her a question in order to gain clarity....
"I'm still trying to understand you ma'am Halima. How does everything you've told me about your sister and her husband involve me...? Where am I supposed to come in...? Is it that they need a caregiver to care for him...?" I asked wearing a confused look and Halima had to explain some more
"Miss Kasarachi my elder sister specifically needs a junior wife for her crippled husband. A girl who can keep him company and take care of his sexual needs whenever she's away or travels for months. Do you understand where you come in now...?"
My eyes bulged out in astonishment as I processed what she told me inside my head.
Everything she said wasn't a problem to me except for the part about me tending to his sexual needs. It totally irritated me!
In my mind, I was actually wondering if this woman was mentally stable or unstable.
It's total madness! Oh my God, like what is she suggesting for God's sake!!!!!
That I should become a subordinate wife to a man outside the States, when early marriage is the same thing I was running away from back in the village....?
"Is this the help you meant ma'am Halima...? because to me this is like asking me to use my body to get the help I desperately need"
"Well Miss Kasarachi I can't help you but my sister can and that's where you come in if I must talk to my sister to help you out. Life is about using what you have to get what you need. It's a good offer because staying in their house covers your accommodation and feeding. Also, be rest assured that you will be properly taken care of monetarily after the deal is over in about five years" Halima said with her eyes fixated on me.
I was looking at her as well and I didn't even know what to say as a response.
Everything sounded so silly to me and I shook my head vigorously as I replied to her.
"I'm sorry ma'am Halima but I can't do what you've asked of me. I am just sixteen years old which makes me underage for marriage. Besides I heard early marriages are prohibited in the States so how is your sister going to maneuver the whole thing...?" I asked out of sheer curiosity
"It's actually very simple. We'll keep it between the three of us...besides it's not going to be an actual marriage and no wedding rites will be performed. You will just perform your duties to him as a junior wife should and that's it!" Halima said and paused to exhale deeply before continuing
"...And for your first concern....my sister actually needs someone below eighteen years old so that the employed girl will be submissive and respectful to her. So Miss Kasarachi, age-wise you are perfect for the job!!!" Halima said shrugging her shoulders
I began to fully understand everything better. What Halima means by being a junior wife to her sister's husband is equivalent to being a sex toy, and a girl who would equally offer my companionship in exchange for the monetary benefits.
I know deep down that I can't do it but if I turn down this offer, what will become of me since there are no better options left...?
Halima seeing my state of indecisiveness heaved heavily. She patted me on the shoulders and spoke to me very gently...
"I understand that you are reluctant about this offer because you never expected it. That's life! I mean we are all striving for a better life so we've got to pay certain prices for it" Halima said plainly and I looked at her feeling quite surprised at her reasoning
"You are a lawyer ma'am Halima and you know very well that this is totally wrong!" I said to Halima who chuckled slightly
"I am first a human being who cares about my sister's well-being before a lawyer. And like I said earlier...I understand that you are reluctant because you never expected such an offer. So if you desire Miss Kasarachi...I could give you a little time to think about this and then you can give me an answer when you're ready" Halima said flippantly as she took her hands off my shoulders
From her body language I could tell that she wanted to leave for her seat.
So I shook my head indicating a no, since I have already thought things through.
I feel it's better to take Halima's offer that guarantees survival and a good life after settlement, than to chase a wandering life in the States when it guarantees nothing!
"There will be no need for that ma'am Halima. I don't have much of a choice so I accept your offer. I will be a junior wife to your inlaw but I have my own conditions as well." I said inhaling and exhaling sadly
"I thought as much. So tell me Miss Kasarachi what are your conditions...?" Halima asked smiling sweetly
"I have two conditions. First, I want a legal backing to the agreement ma'am Halima. Like you implied earlier, we are human beings whose words and actions can change at any moment. So my condition for accepting your offer is that an official written and signed document should be done to that effect!" I said confidently and ma'am Halima chuckled before replying
"You're quite smart Miss Kasarachi! But it's okay....we will find a way to get the offer documented and legally binded as a contract. So what's the other condition...?"
"I don't know how much I'll be paid but I believe it will be agreed upon and then included in the contract. My second condition is that I want 20% of the payment before I start. Then afterwards, for the remaining four years...I should be paid 20% percent for each year which will cover all of my payment!" I answered her confidently
Thereafter I sighed deeply as I awaited Halima's reply. God knows that this isn't what I planned for my life honestly, but I suppose in this life, survival comes first!
"That is not a problem Miss Kasarachi. I understand your fears so of course the second condition isn't surprising at all. Well since we've finally agreed on something...I suppose we can now return to our seats and then meet when the plane lands" Halima said plainly
She began walking away from me and I followed behind her since we're going in the same direction.
We walked into the seats area and went to the different directions where our individual seats were situated.
The plane eventually took off and all through the flight, I was busy thinking about my earlier discussion with Halima.
I wasn't comfortable with the whole thing and I just wished I had better choices but at this point in time, I do not have any!
But why is it always me Lord...? Or haven't I suffered in Nigeria enough, that you want to introduce me to another upgraded version of suffering in the United States...?
There were so many questions on my mind with no corresponding answers to them.
Then I felt a gentle tap on my left arm.
"Are you okay Miss...? What could be making you cry in a public place. I hope all is fine with you...?" I heard this question from someone who was sitting beside me
That's when I realized that I was crying subconsciously and she must have been observing me long before now. I'm guessing she probably reached out, out of concern.
I shook my head in the affirmative as I used the back of my palm to wipe my tears.
The stranger seeing me doing that, had to stretch out a handkerchief to me and I collected it after uttering a thank you.
I turned to look at the stranger very well. From all indications, she is an American young girl who should be around my age or maybe younger than me.
She was smiling warmly at me and I smiled back at her as I initiated a conversation.
"My name is Kasarachi. To answer your earlier question, I was bothered about something but I'm feeling better now. Thank you very much for the handkerchief" I said handing her back the handkerchief
"No don't bother giving it back to me....you can keep it for yourself. My name is Marie. It's nice to meet you Kasarachi. You're so beautiful and I admire your skin tone. You are Nigerian right...?" Marie asked joyfully
I nodded in affirmation before answering her question
"Yes I am Nigerian. Thank you for the compliments Marie and you equally look very beautiful. And from your accent, hair, color of eyes, and skintone....I don't need a soothsayer to tell me that you are American. Marie it's nice to meet you too"
"Hurray!!! So tell me Kasarachi...is everyone in Nigeria as dark skinned and beautiful as you are....? What fun places are available and is it worth visiting...?" Marie asked me all at once while smiling excitedly
I chuckled at her eagerness and her free-spirited nature. She seems to me like a carefree and fun person to be with.
"Aren't you a little too curious for someone who's also just leaving Nigeria...? I believe you should know the answers to all these questions already" I answered shrugging
"I wish I did! I went to Nigeria on a short vacation but my aunt didn't grant me the freedom to explore or meet new people as I planned. Honestly Kasarachi, I feel like I've wasted my entire two weeks vacation!" Marie said using a depressing tone
"I'm sorry about your experience with your aunt but sincerely there's nothing really special about meeting new people in Nigeria. And for your second question, I haven't visited any fun places so I wouldn't know if it's worth visiting or if it isn't!" I said plainly and balanced well on my seat
"Well I am an adventurous and fun-loving person so I would have loved to try certain exciting places out. But well at least I tried out several Nigerian delicacies...so I didn't miss out completely" Marie said excitedly
I smiled at her and didn't say anything again since I wanted to put an end to our conversation without coming off as being rude. I was already getting tired of talking about irrelevant things with total stranger when I had better things to think about.
"So tell me about yourself Kasarachi. What are you going to do in Canada...? Do you have relatives there...? Are you going on vacation...? Or wait! Do your parents reside over there like my parents...?" Marie asked excitedly looking at me
I scoffed at such annoying questions. The frustrations bubbling in my heart got the better part of me, so I blurted out to Marie
"Unlike you Marie, I do not have parents to go back to in Canada. I'm not going on vacation and I don't have any relatives there. I only happen to land in this plane because of an unpleasant incident and now I'm stuck here with no idea of where to stay or what to do with my life afterwards. When this plane eventually lands...I am going to be stranded like the children of Israel when they were in the wilderness!" I replied plainly and thereafter I went silent.
Marie went silent too and never said anything else after my response to her earlier. I suppose she feels disappointed since she wasn't expecting such a reply.
It was loudly announced in the plane that we will be landing very soon.
Ten minutes after that announcement, we landed at the airport in Canada.
At that exact moment, I looked towards where Halima sat and I saw her pressing her phone. When she lifted her eyes and saw me staring at her, she smiled at me.
An announcement came forth that everyone should stand to their feet and move out one after the other.
Marie stood up before me and without saying goodbye, she walked forward and faded away from my sight.
Halima stood up like everyone else and before walking out of the airplane, she signaled me to meet her outside.
I nodded my head in understanding as I stood up and moved towards the door.
Stepping out of the airplane, the chilling air of Canada hit me hard such that I could feel the cold sensation on my skin.
I breathe in the refreshing air and for the first time today, I smiled genuinely upon seeing the new beautiful environment.
Looking around for Halima, I finally sighted her a few meters ahead waving at me and urging me to come over to where she was.
Halima is standing beside a white SUV car and there is someone that's standing beside her as well. I couldn't see the person very clearly because of the distance between us.
It seems like they were conversing and soon Halima bursted out laughing at what the person was saying to her. I'm guessing it must be something very funny to have gotten Halima laughing so heartily.
The more I walked closer to where they were standing, the more I came to the realization that the person standing beside Halima and conversing with her is someone I am actually familiar with.
It got me wondering why they were closely standing together and conversing fondly.
Oh no! this can't be happening!!!!!!
Do they know each other....? Or could they be related or something...??????
(Do not take credit or Plagiarize AMAH'S HEART stories)
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